Indonesian Foreign Minister Appreciates The Sympathy Of Friends Of Countries Against Natural Disasters In Sumatra

Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono when handing over humanitarian aid for victims of natural disasters in Sumatra. (VOI / Fauzi)

JAKARTA - Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono appreciated the sympathy and attention of friendly countries towards natural disasters that occurred in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra, believing that the Indonesian government could overcome the existing situation with the cooperation of all parties.

This was conveyed in the symbolic handover of humanitarian assistance entitled "Diplomat Caring 2025" for victims of natural disasters in Sumatra to the Natural Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta.

"My deepest gratitude to the representatives of friendly countries in Indonesia, who expressed their condolences and concern. Thank you for your moral support and hopefully we can all overcome this problem well," said the Indonesian Foreign Minister, Friday (5/12).

He further explained that apart from expressing sympathy, friendly countries have also conveyed their readiness implicitly to help the Government of Indonesia

"Currently we have not opened (receipts of humanitarian aid from friendly countries). Everyone says that if you need anything, let me know," explained the Indonesian Foreign Minister.

He explained that the receipt of foreign aid would only be opened if felt needed. However, Foreign Minister Sugiono said, "I think we are with all our strengths, as previously stated, that this is a joint effort, I believe we can solve this problem."

As previously reported, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs together with Indonesian diplomats handed over humanitarian assistance for victims of natural disasters in Sumatra weighing 20 tons.

The assistance handed over through BNPB contains the needs of toddlers, children, adults to the elderly, including medicines, vitamins, baby milk, clothing, basic necessities such as rice and cooking oil.

It is known, as of Friday (5/12) afternoon, the death toll of natural disasters in Sumatra has reached 862 people, while 562 people have not been found and 2,700 others have been injured, with search and evacuation efforts continuing to be carried out locations that have been severely affected, quoted from the official website of BNPB.